News on R&D across science and industry. Covers R&D awards, applied studies, quantum institutes, and university research initiatives.
A new five-year program will support 25 visiting professorships and two major scientific meetings between the UK and India to address antimicrobial resistance. The initiative aims to share knowledge, foster research collaborations and increase awareness to develop robust interventions against AMR.
Nathaniel Gabor, an assistant professor of physics at UC Riverside, has been awarded the prestigious 2017 CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar program. As a recipient, he will receive $100,000 in research support and join a global community of top researchers in his area of research on bio-inspired solar energy.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that 50% of drivers tailgate, with most leaving less than a two-second gap between vehicles. The researchers identified confusion among drivers over what is deemed a safe following distance, which can lead to rear-end crashes.
A QUT study found drivers approach level crossings significantly faster and with less caution than at road intersections, posing a significant risk of fatalities. Drivers often fail to assess the situation properly, failing to recognize approaching trains or adapting their behavior for reduced visibility during night-time driving.
Army researchers have discovered subtle variations in the dynamic behavior of materials under fatigue cycles, including shifts in natural frequency. The study aims to develop new sensing techniques for predicting service life and enabling self-responsive, damage-adaptive structures.
Researchers at MUSC are developing a gene-modifying treatment for sickle cell disease by targeting the LSD 1 enzyme. The potential breakthrough could lead to a disease-modifying treatment and fast-track human clinical trials in as few as three years.
The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator offers a comprehensive strategy to help individuals search for professionally-led, evidence-based treatment. The navigator guides users through a step-by-step process to find qualified treatment providers, taking into account individual needs and preferences.
Researchers at US Army Research Laboratory have made breakthroughs understanding entanglement structure in quantum systems with long-range interactions. Entanglement enables ultra-secure communication, precise measurement, and powerful computers.
Almost half of global abortions (45.1%) were estimated to be unsafe between 2010 and 2014, with higher rates in developing countries. The researchers urge increased efforts to ensure access to safe abortion, particularly in developing nations.
The Virtual Training Agent for Veterans (VITA4VETS) program uses virtual simulation practice to build job interviewing competence and confidence among veterans. With a high success rate of 93% in securing employment, VITA4VETS provides customizable training to address the challenges faced by transitioning service members.
Researchers have developed a solution to a longstanding problem in end-to-end encryption, which ensures only sender and recipient can read a message. The new protocol, called DECIM, forces attackers to leave evidence of any such activity and alerts users to take action.
A recent study by Duke Cancer Institute found that ACA Medicaid expansion significantly reduced uninsured rates among white patients and those living in higher-income areas, but had little impact on black patients and residents of high-poverty areas. In contrast, states without expanded Medicaid saw a decline in uninsured rates primari...
Researchers at SMU develop an assessment system to measure mathematical reasoning skills in grades K-2, helping teachers identify struggling students and provide targeted support. The Measures of Mathematical Reasoning Skills system has the potential to drive effort to intervene early and improve US students' math achievement.
Researchers from UC San Diego showcase self-folding robots, robotic endoscopes, and improved computer vision techniques to enhance human-robot collaboration. The conference focuses on developing friendly robots that can work effectively with humans in various domains.
The University of Science and Technology (UNIST) has developed a self-powered tracking device capable of monitoring wild bird migration routes. The device will be used to predict bird flu outbreaks by compiling vast amounts of data into risk maps using data visualization techniques.
Researchers developed a predictive model to estimate the number of successful cyber intrusions, which found that internal security policies and network access patterns are strong predictors. The model's accuracy was improved by analyzing regression results and demonstrated the feasibility of constructing a practical predictive model.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found potential technology-based solutions to replace 13 out of 14 scarce metals with carbon nanomaterials. Carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene, have similar properties to metals and can be used in various applications, including electronics and plastics.
A recent study reveals that nearly half a million monk parakeets were imported into Mexico over five years, leading to rapid expansion across the country. The species was declared an invasive species in 2016, highlighting the need for management steps.
Researchers developed a new way to assess and predict facial expressions of movie-goers using factorized variational autoencoders (FVAEs). The method demonstrates a surprising ability to reliably predict viewers' facial expressions for the remainder of the movie after just a few minutes of observation.
A researcher at University of Akron is helping NASA develop smart satellites that can recognize environmental threats and complete tasks automatically. The goal is to reduce the need for real-time predictions and enable more efficient space exploration.
A new scoring tool, G-TRUST, evaluates guideline trustworthiness and identifies useful practice guidelines. The tool's reliability needs to be researched, especially when used with technology like smartphone applications.
A new app developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers allows users to control access to third-party libraries, which helps app developers make money by targeting people with ads or compiling marketing profiles. This approach promises to be an effective way of limiting the unwanted release of personal information.
A new tool, G-TRUST, has been developed to help clinicians identify trustworthy and relevant practice guidelines. The eight-item checklist assesses guideline quality based on expert consensus, identifying low-quality guidelines and disqualifying high-quality ones.
A Northeastern research team has developed a method for loading DNA into sequencing wells, increasing efficiency by orders of magnitude. The technology uses nanopores to attract larger DNA segments, enabling the sequencing of longer molecules.
Dr. Philip Perconti, ARL Director, emphasizes the importance of innovation in basic research, highlighting recent successes in micro-autonomous systems and technology. He also discusses the Laboratory's Open Campus initiative, a collaborative framework that fosters mutual reliance and interdependent research.
The system uses cameras and AI to detect hand movements deviating from normal driving behavior, grading them for possible safety threats. Researchers hope the technology will reduce traffic accidents caused by distracted drivers, a major contributor to global crashes.
Wiley will publish two journals, Journal of Consumer Psychology and Consumer Psychology Review, serving consumer psychology research. Both journals focus on advancing the discipline in a global community.
Assistant Professor Julien van Grevenynghe at INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier Research Centre has received a $25,000 award to further his research on autophagy in HIV infection. The Banting Research Foundation recognizes the potential of his work to strengthen the immune system and develop effective HIV vaccines.
A new technique allows investigators to analyze individual user behavior from network traffic metadata, reducing the reliance on IP addresses and enhancing cyber security. The approach achieved average recognition rates of 90% in tests involving 46 users.
Researchers matched microscopic quartz grains to their desert source using cathodeluminescence spectral analysis. This method revealed the heterogeneity in grains, shedding light on the pathways and effects of long-distance airborne dust.
A new assessment predicts fracture risk for patients in long-term care, identifying key factors such as age, mobility, and cognitive impairment. The tool has the potential to standardize fracture prevention efforts and save lives among nursing home residents.
The Army-led Micro Autonomous Systems and Technology (MAST) Collaborative Technology Alliance has demonstrated futuristic robotic research platforms, showcasing state-of-the-art benchmarks. The program aims to develop small autonomous robots for collaborative operation with large systems in complex environments.
Peter Vitiello receives NIH grant to investigate oxygen-sensitive molecules influencing lung growth in premature infants. The research aims to reduce the burden of lasting lung disease, which can have life-long effects.
A study by Hugo Delile and colleagues used high-resolution geochemical and isotopic analyses to reconstruct Rome's urban development. The analysis of a sediment core from Ostia harbor revealed the installation of ancient Rome's lead pipe system was around 2nd century BC, with a peak during the early-high Imperial period.
MIT researchers developed a system that uses drones to relay RFID signals, allowing for accurate location tracking of inventory items. The system can be used for continuous monitoring and resolving mismatches between inventory records and stock levels, potentially saving retailers billions lost due to errors.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a new approach to deliver immersive audio experiences by utilizing all available devices in a living room, such as laptops and wireless mini-speakers. The 'Media Device Orchestration' concept enables users to enjoy spatial audio in a more immersive and multi-layered way.
Scientists at University of Pittsburgh create vascularized pancreatic islet organoids using human pluripotent stem cells, offering potential treatment for Type I Diabetes. The innovative approach involves implanting blood vessel fragments into the islets before transplantation.
A new study uses high-resolution geospatial modeling to quantify the effects of urban infrastructures on US rivers and streams. The research found that urban land transformation and electricity production together affect seven percent of U.S. streams, influencing habitats for over 60 percent of North American freshwater fish species.
Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have developed a laboratory model to study tick-borne flaviviruses, including Powassan virus. The new model involves culturing organs from Ixodes scapularis ticks with flaviviruses, which can infect salivary glands and midgut.
HRL Laboratories has received a NASA award to develop additive manufactured ceramic rocket engine components. The company's technique combines polymer additive manufacturing with high-temperature ceramics, enabling new designs, lower costs, and reduced lead time.
The Privileged Sensing Framework proposes integrating human and autonomous agents based on individual characteristics. The framework improves joint human-autonomy performance without sacrificing human strengths.
Researchers created a new model that better describes the behavior of ceramic materials under impact stress, improving prediction of resistance to deep penetration. The improved model reduces the need for expensive experiments, guiding material design and multi-materials systems approaches.
Researchers found that plants growing in dry climates have higher concentrations of leaf wax, a natural protective barrier. The team bred winter wheat cultivars with increased wax production, which enabled them to tolerate drought and produce high yields.
A new machine learning program developed by researchers at Case Western Reserve University appears to outperform other methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease before symptoms begin. The program integrates various indicators of the disease, including mild cognitive impairment, to predict who has Alzheimer's and those with mild cognit...
A team of researchers developed a machine-learning algorithm to identify counterfeit products by analyzing microscopic characteristics. The system achieved an accuracy rate of over 98%, enabling non-invasive verification of product authenticity.
Researchers are studying how people's beliefs change over time, comparing German and American respondents. They will analyze questionnaire data and conduct in-depth interviews to document changes in religiosity and worldviews.
A recent study published in Obesity Open Access found that supplementing with capsicum extract increased metabolic rate by 116 calories per day, equivalent to burning an extra 1 lb. of fat over 30 days. This natural approach supports healthy body composition and weight management as we age.
A team at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia has developed an asphalt mixture with encapsulated cigarette butts, reducing thermal conductivity and handling heavy traffic. The innovation could solve a huge waste problem while also mitigating the urban heat island effect common in cities.
A new method for monitoring organ transplant patients has been developed using a combination of DNA sequencing and computer science techniques. The method, which detects cell-free DNA in the bloodstream, can predict organ rejection with accuracy similar to that of biopsies.
HRL Laboratories has developed a reversible alkali atom source that runs at low power and low voltage, enabling smaller and more efficient atomic clocks. The device can capture and cool rubidium atoms near absolute zero, reducing measurement noise and increasing accuracy.
Animals use color in diverse ways, including for reproduction and predator-prey interactions, with species-specific purposes in mind. Mantis shrimp have four times as many colour receptors as humans, allowing them to perceive ultraviolet light.
Researchers studied cicada wings to understand their water-repelling ability, discovering that habitat is not a good predictor of superhydrophobicity. The team found that life cycles and species relatedness are better predictors of this extreme water-repelling ability.
Disney Research's method enables artists to design articulated, physical versions of animated characters with desired motions and poses. The team demonstrated their approach by designing a 2D puppet-like character and a gripper that can pick up light objects.
A computational design tool developed by Disney Research enables the creation of compliant mechanisms through flexibility, offering potential advantages in industry. The tool optimizes device performance while ensuring robustness and reducing strains.
A University of Houston researcher is developing a system that would allow security cameras to recognize and send an alert at the first sign of a threat to public safety. The project uses video analytics to build mathematical models that reflect human behavior and predict deviations from the norm.
A research team at KAIST developed diagnostic sensors using protein-encapsulated nanocatalysts to analyze human exhaled breath and diagnose diseases. The sensors achieved high sensitivity and selectivity, detecting biomarker gases related to diseases with improved performance compared to conventional platinum-based catalysts.
A new clinical decision rule uses point scores and C-reactive protein to diagnose acute rhinosinusitis with good accuracy. The rule successfully identifies patients at low risk for bacterial infection, leading to more conservative use of antibiotics.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a systematic method for comparing the accuracy of different types of simulation models for predicting extreme events. The study found that nonparametric methods are more flexible but limited to small dimensions, while parametric methods can handle higher-dimensional problems but are sensitive to errors.
Gonorrhea is a growing global health crisis with over 60% of countries reporting resistance to last-resort treatments. Gardp and Entasis partner on zoliflodacin, a novel first-in-class oral antibiotic with potent activity against drug-resistant strains.
UNIST has received a $4.5 million ITRC project grant to develop a self-charging tracking device that can monitor wild birds and detect potential bird flu outbreaks. The new technology, called Mobile Tracker, is expected to provide early warnings and aid public health officials in preventing the spread of disease.